Discover Purcellville’s auction of painted benches and planters Saturday night raised $35,000 to support community events and promotions. The works, created by dozens of area artists, have been on display throughout the town since June.

Purcellville’s Town-wide Arts Exhibit Raises $35K

Discover Purcellville’s auction of painted benches and planters Saturday night raised $35,000 to support community events and promotions.

The works, created by dozens of area artists, have been on display throughout the town since June.

All 50 pieces were on the auction block at the Skating Rink, with auctioneer Brian Damewood and his team rallying a crowd of 250 people.

Tricia Carr’s bench, depicting a scene with an owl, a fox and a deer, and sponsored by Blue Ridge Veterinary, won the highest bid of the night—$5,100.

Another highlight was a planter painted by Janet Rivera and sponsored by Loudoun Floors sold for $550, with that money—and a $550 matching donation from another bidder—earmarked for the Woodgrove High School chapter of Alex’s Lemonade to fight cancer, and the $550.00 was matched by another attendee for a total of $1100.00 to Alex’s.

While some works will be moved to yards of winning bidders, many of the benches and planters were purchased by businesses and will continue to be on display around town.

Most of the money raised will be used by the Discover Purcellville nonprofit to support downtown promotions and community events.

“We can’t thank the artists and sponsors enough for making this year’s project an over whelming success,” said Discover Purcellville President Michael Oaks. He also asked for ideas from residents and businesses for future promotions. To share your ideas, email

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